A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the College of Surgeons, Singapore ("College") and Médecins Sans Frontières Hong Kong (Doctors Without Borders) ("MSF-HK") on 5 March 2010 which allow the College to take a greater step into giving back to the society, especially to the under-privileged groups – the victims of natural or man-made disasters and victims of armed conflict.

MSF was founded in 1971 by a small group of doctors and journalists who believed that all people should have access to emergency relief. MSF was one of the first non-governmental organizations to provide urgently needed medical assistance and to publicly bear witness to the plight of the people it helps. MSF is made up mainly of doctors and health sector workers and is also open to all other professions which might help in achieving its aims. Today MSF is an international medical humanitarian movement with partner sections in 19 countries. MSF observes neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and claims full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions. MSF members undertake to respect their professional code of ethics and to maintain complete independence from all political, economic or religious powers.

The MOU and the partnership of the College of Surgeons and the MSF help to raise the profile of the latter in its humanitarian mission among the medical profession in general and among the surgeons of Singapore in particular. It is hoped that with this publicity, surgeons, anaesthetists, physicians, nurses, paramedical personnel and others would volunteer their time and energy to the worthy cause championed by the MSF.

The College wish that this partnership and community project would benefit the indigent, the deprived and the injured in natural and man-made disasters. The details of joining the MSF can be read here. If you are interested to know more about MSF, a copy of the MSF brochure can also be sent upon request (for local mailing only) or you can access to MSF website at www.msf.org.hk.

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